08.01.2010, 06:27
In the introduction to Air Publication 1579A (Pilots Notes for the Hampdem I Aeroplane) it says...
A 12 volt, 500 watt generator on the starboard engine, charges a 12 volt 40Ah accumulator, mounted on the starboard side of the fuselage forward of the rear upper gun station, providing for lighting and power services, and another 12 volt Ah accumulator forward of the D spar, providing for engine starting. The lighting services comprise indicating lamps for the alighting gear, and lamps for navigation, recognition, formation-keeping, landing, inspecttion and signalling, together with interior lighting and lighting for bomb sights and reflector gun sights.
Section One, paragraphs 33, 34, & 35 describe the controls.
So yes, a well equipped aeroplane of technically advanced design in this period did use such lamps, though I suspect the use was limited since it also showed the enemy where you were. I understand one of the hazards of the RAF night bombing raids were crews swanning around the target admiring the fires, oblivious to other bombers passing over the target.
This was true of modern RAF aeroplanes. I don't know how much use of lights was made by other nations (other than America). The green, white, and red lamps have been a standard fitment to aircraft operating in darkness for a long time and are used to determine which way the other aeroplane is facing, in order to prevent night time collisions.
A 12 volt, 500 watt generator on the starboard engine, charges a 12 volt 40Ah accumulator, mounted on the starboard side of the fuselage forward of the rear upper gun station, providing for lighting and power services, and another 12 volt Ah accumulator forward of the D spar, providing for engine starting. The lighting services comprise indicating lamps for the alighting gear, and lamps for navigation, recognition, formation-keeping, landing, inspecttion and signalling, together with interior lighting and lighting for bomb sights and reflector gun sights.
Section One, paragraphs 33, 34, & 35 describe the controls.
So yes, a well equipped aeroplane of technically advanced design in this period did use such lamps, though I suspect the use was limited since it also showed the enemy where you were. I understand one of the hazards of the RAF night bombing raids were crews swanning around the target admiring the fires, oblivious to other bombers passing over the target.
This was true of modern RAF aeroplanes. I don't know how much use of lights was made by other nations (other than America). The green, white, and red lamps have been a standard fitment to aircraft operating in darkness for a long time and are used to determine which way the other aeroplane is facing, in order to prevent night time collisions.